looking to buy a motorcycle

[Idlie]

So I'd like to buy a motorcycle to commute to work, but I'm not sure where to buy one. Anyone have advice? I don't know anything about motorcycles but I'm looking at the suzuki gs500f. Some of my friends tell me that I should buy a used one since I'm just gonna drop it and mess it up anyway. But my worry is that since i don't know anything about motorcycles, i wouldn't be able to tell if i were getting a solid fully functional bike if i were to buy a used one. Anyone know of a good website to learn about motorcycles and perhaps a good place to purchase one? thanks!

[ShawnLee]

I like Buell Blasts for a new bike for a first-time rider, 492cc is fun, but not too much to scare the crap out of yourself on. As for getting a used one, if you take it to a competent service mechanic, I'm sure they'd be able to tell you if was a solid bike or not. Expect to spend some cash.

Some things are cheaper with a bike, especially parking, but don't skimp on getting quality service done. When the engine is inches from your crotch, it's hyper-easy to hit triple-digit speeds, and you've got no metal cage surrounding you, you want to make sure everything
is in the finest working order.

[mechmike0034]

Before you do anything or buy anything, go take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) beginner's course. They provide bikes.

You are in Cali, so start here: http://www.ca-msp.org/

They may also be able to point you in the right direction as far as a starter/commuter bike goes.

[clutchy]

The ninja 250/500, or the suzi gs500 are a good place to start. I learned on a 700cc cruiser from 1985. I currently ride an SV650, great bike btw.


www.bayarearidersforum.com/forum is an exceptional source if you can wade through all the bull.

the MSF is a good place to start, but i never took it. I just went and got my license from the DMV and did the circle of death. I've been riding for 5 years now with no mishaps...


Also, don't be under the illusion that motorcycles are cheaper to ride and maintain than a car, there are actually very few bikes that are like that. the ninja 250/500 and the suzuki gs500 are one of those few. Typically the tires wear out in 3000-5000 miles. They require closer maintenance schedules than cars, and the mileage(on most bikes) isn't that much better than a good honda. The ninja's will do pretty well for the long term and be reliable as well as keeping the tires longer than other bikes.


When i used to be solely a sport rider i'd burn through tires in about 2500 miles, doing only commuting i'll probably get 4k-5k out of the rear and a little more from the front.


Also, motorcycling is inherently dangerous, especially for newbs. Your chance of crashing is extremely high all the way through to your third year. I don't really mean to discourage you in any way, because motorcycling is an incredible experience, but there are some serious risks that you should discuss with your family if you have one.

[hoey222]

:stupid:


The ninja 250/500, or the suzi gs500 are a good place to start. I learned on a 700cc cruiser from 1985. I currently ride an SV650, great bike btw.


www.bayarearidersforum.com/forum is an exceptional source if you can wade through all the bull.

the MSF is a good place to start, but i never took it. I just went and got my license from the DMV and did the circle of death. I've been riding for 5 years now with no mishaps...


Also, don't be under the illusion that motorcycles are cheaper to ride and maintain than a car, there are actually very few bikes that are like that. the ninja 250/500 and the suzuki gs500 are one of those few. Typically the tires wear out in 3000-5000 miles. They require closer maintenance schedules than cars, and the mileage(on most bikes) isn't that much better than a good honda. The ninja's will do pretty well for the long term and be reliable as well as keeping the tires longer than other bikes.


When i used to be solely a sport rider i'd burn through tires in about 2500 miles, doing only commuting i'll probably get 4k-5k out of the rear and a little more from the front.


Also, motorcycling is inherently dangerous, especially for newbs. Your chance of crashing is extremely high all the way through to your third year. I don't really mean to discourage you in any way, because motorcycling is an incredible experience, but there are some serious risks that you should discuss with your family if you have one.

They are fun and cheaper on gas.....but you do need to pay much closer attention to maintenance. let it go and the bike could fail you in a pinch.

something else to consider - do you ever need to carry anything to work? now you start needing accessories. you can just hop into a cage (biker speak for car). i ALWAYS wear a helmet. there's prep time for rides - it takes me an extra 5-10 minutes of time on days when i ride my bike to work. helmet - load saddle bags, warm up bike, (un)lock forks.

i've been riding for almost 13 years. I just took the advanced safety course and learned a lot. i was self taught. i had a nice lil 400cc starter bike that i had for 10 years. it was a great bike. don't discount the hondas either. they are solid bikes with relatively easy maintenance schedules. the nighthawks and shadows are a little more cruiser style but still very manageable.

be careful with large displacement bikes - over 1000cc - those are very heavy (by comparison) and can have lots of power - maybe too much for an inexperienced rider. a sv650 will have plenty of power (to get you into trouble :D). harleys are HIGH maintenance bikes and VERY expensive.


there are plenty of good used bikes to choose from. but definitely LEARN how to ride. some people i know want to ride but are terrified of traffic. well that just won't do. you have to be confident and realize that if you are the safest driver - there's always some idiot that will not see you.

my $.02 ramble

[Prngr44]

Used Honda Rebel 250. :)

And definitely take the course. I took one and it's a MUST for the beginner biker.

I bought my used bike, dropped it (thankfully in the grass) when I hammered the front brakes and sort of jackknifed, didn't get on it until I took that safety course, and never had a problem since.

Good luck, and be safe!

[mechmike0034]

Rider height and weight?

Length of proposed commute?

Type of commute? (City streets or interstate/freeway?)

Budget?

Suggestions would be easier and more valid if we had this information.

I'd be as uncomfortable on a Rebel 250 as I would be wearing a pair of two-size-too-small shoes. The feeling would be mutual - the Rebel wouldn't much care for my weight, either.

Most sportbikes give me a backache just by looking at them - They have great power and great brakes, but I'm OLD, so the whole "monkey-humping-a-football" riding position and ergonomics don't work.